Tag: writing tips
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We Are Grateful
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is a beautifully written book by Native American, Traci Sorrel. Members of the Cherokee Nation use the word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) to express gratitude. The book begins in the fall and follows a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences ending in summer. This book won many awards, including a Sibert and…
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Writing Prompt: Unexpected Joy
This Writing Prompt came from a Summer Teacher Write a few years ago. For those who attend Teacher Write, most writers are working on a novel, and we are encouraged to think of one of our characters to use. Write a scene that captures your main character experiencing a moment of unexpected joy. How do…
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“Words Dance….Grandly Exciting To Me” Gary Paulsen
Gary Paulsen, the author of over 100 books, died in 2021. Hatchet, his most famous book, was a middle-school staple. When I was teaching 11th grade, many of my students would reread it, along with Dogsong and Winter Room (all three were Newbery winners). I came across a memoir Paulsen wrote in one of my…
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Expand a Sentence
I think one of the hardest concepts of creative writing for students who don’t want to be writers is teaching them how to be descriptive and “showing” versus “telling”. Most of them will only write one creative story a year and possibly some smaller assignments. So, how do I get the “most” out of them…
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Understanding Literature Settings
Today I was preparing a lesson for my students in my dual enrollment literature class on setting in literature. For years, I have kept different journals where I write down quotes and passages from books I read that I enjoy or have some impact on me and many of them are on setting. In Wired…
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Find Your Voice: Start A Journal
In May, I was invited to speak at a local high school about my journey with publishing my book. The central theme I chose to convey was to encourage my audience to write their stories. Everyone has unique experiences and perspectives that can inspire others. Memoirs, histories, recipes, and stories of our past can empower…
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Understanding Your Audience
When choosing a topic to write about with a children’s book, it is wise to know what matters to your audience. Do you remember what it was like to be a kid? Hopefully, you have a great childhood memory or firsthand experience with children. When I was in 2nd grade, I had a wonderful teacher.…
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Picture Prompt Writing
Ten minutes writing prompts based on the picture. Eric pushed his still-damp hair from his face. She noticed he smelled faintly of cedar and fabric softener. The silence was broken only by their footsteps. She touched his arm and said, “Look.” Before them was the old barn of their childhood. As they approached the barn,…